For the past 30 years or so, teachers and administrators at Claymont High School have asked for help.

And, each year, help has arrived ... big time.

As a part of their annual Christmas program, students and teachers at the school have teamed up with private donors to provide holiday help for families within the district.

"Between the teachers and kids, we're able to come up with a lot of gifts for families around the area," said Claymont High teacher Rochelle Seibert. "I think this is a real nice example of how a small community can come together to help people."

Families in need are identified by a committee in the district, and the money comes from ... well, everywhere.

"We usually start in November, and each class comes up with different ways to raise money," Seibert said, adding that students donate from throughout the district. "We accept donations and the kids in the high school are very generous.

"On top of that, we get a lot of outside donations from area businesses and families."

In this year's program, the high school has identified 11 families that include 25 children with age ranges of two to 11. Another 25 children are being sponsored by families and business throughout the area.

This is not a matter of providing each child with a gift, but a Christmas.

"Each kid gets to ask for one special wish gift," Seibert explained, noting that the "special" gifts include bicycles, scooters or video game stations. "Plus, each child gets a coat, hat and gloves for winter and whatever other essentials they might need.

"I'd say we're spending a minimum of $250 to $300 on each child."

The gifts that were delivered to the homes include a food basket as well.

On Friday, the children selected by the committee were bussed to the high school on the Polar Express for a program that included the band, choir, a hand drum ensemble featuring the special needs students, a skit by the teachers and a visit from Santa.

The program was started about 30 years ago by then principal Jeff Guyrko and has continued through the years.

"I think that in today's society, teenagers are not necessarily given much credit, but it's events like this that bring out the best in them," Seibert said. "Thousands of dollars are generated by our students, and our staff is phenomenal.

"Obviously, the look on the children's faces when Santa hands them a gift makes the effort and sacrifice worth the time and energy. But for me, the spirit and the understanding that our high school students experience is priceless," Seibert said.

"They can't help but remember their childhood days waiting to see the treasures that Santa left behind. If only for an afternoon, the students at Claymont High School are changed."